"Clash of Clans" has been added to the list of banned video games from Iran. The mobile game was said to have a negative influence on the family life of the players specifically the teenagers if they get hooked up with the game based on a report from psychologists.
"Clash of Clans" could promote conflict and violence among tribal communities. The viral game which is said to have been played by 64 percent of Iran's mobile community started to experience difficulties when accessing the app since Dec. 27, 2016, right after the verdict was confirmed. Although some players suggested that an age limit restriction should have been imposed. In order not to affect all players.
Iran's deputy attorney general Dr. Abdolsamad Khoramabadi explained that the "vast majority" of the committee backed the call to limit who could play the app. Some "Clash of Clans" communities have found ways to access the application for the meantime since everyone is currently affected by the decision, based on the article by BBC.
"Clash of Clans" is not the only game banned by the Persian government. In June, the PC game called "Revolution: Black Friday" was also banned due to its "false and distorted information" and "hostile intentions". The Phenomenal "Pokemon GO" was also banned because of the game's location-based system which may jeopardize the security of the country.
"Clash of Clans" earned a total of $210 million in November based on the information provided by SuperData. This type of action by the Persian government will result in a huge loss of Supercell's revenue. The game still ranks as one of the top grossing apps in Google's Play Store and the third highest in Apple's App Store, according to International Business Times.
In this day and age where technology is basically everywhere and has become a big part of everyday survival, a thin line lies between precaution, prohibition, and freedom. The frequency of crossing that line should be observed to prevent future conflicts between the populace and the government.
